Cricketer David Warner with daughter Ivy Mae. Source: Supplied

But today I can absolutely tell you it’s true, I’ve now ridden the wild carousel ride that is emotional chaos.

It’s amazing how in a few short days you can experience so many feelings. And that is where this week’s column begins.

David Warner is definitely my hero, even though he had — for me — long achieved the status before this Test even began.

On Monday, in his 10th International Series in Adelaide he scored 145 and mid this outstanding performance he looked skyward and dedicated his ‘63rd and not out run’ to our departed friend, Phillip Hughes.

It was incredibly moving, it was real and raw and — to me — it was so much more than a beautiful tribute to a dear mate lost far too young.

What you may not know is in the days prior to this history-making moment, I didn’t even know if David would take the pitch.

The loss of his friend and his grief was just too much.

He described to me that holding his cricket bat felt like “being a little boy again” and he had left the batting nets just days earlier with his head in his hands.

Despite having travelled to Adelaide with the Australian Cricket Team I was not convinced David would play.

Since the birth of our daughter Ivy we have learned so much.

I never understood the enormity of love you have for a child, the joy a baby can bring and the way this new arrival changes yet deepens the relationship you have with your partner.

I never realised what the power of your own child can be.

David Warner kisses his daughter Ivy, who he credits with helping him get through since the death of his team mate Phillip Hughes. Picture: Instagram Source: Supplied

Candice Falzon, with daughter Ivy, offers moral support for fiance David Warner at the First Test match between Australia and India in Adelaide. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

This week, Ivy Mae Warner has been David’s little blessing.

His almost “secret weapon” in the regaining of his focus, strength and confidence as Australia’s opening batsman.

Our little girl has made him laugh in the dark moments, made him feel love when he felt alone and unwittingly we have as a family found our way from the gaping hole that is the loss of a friend into a new place where we can go forward — even if we are forever now a little bit changed.

I’m immensely proud to have watched David persevere in the batting nets this week, day by day regaining his stride. Ivy and I attended practice and provided as much support as we could, we’re not just a family — we’re a team and being there for one another through proverbial “thick and thin” is what we are committed to.

Watching David walk out onto Adelaide Oval was very emotional. I knew the great pain that he was carrying inside.

I also knew the strength and courage that my guy possesses and I knew he was determined to dig deep and play to the best of his ability.

I knew that he wanted to make his friend Phillip Hughes, and Phil’s grieving family, proud.

Candice takes Ivy to watch dad David train for the First Test. Picture: Tait Schmaal Source: News Corp Australia

David Warner during the Test cricket match. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

For me, it didn’t matter that day if Dave went out for a duck or cracked a ton.

I knew the achievement was in walking out on that pitch and bedding the demons of sadness and loss. In finding his inner strength and letting go of everything else.

Of course I was elated as he leapt into the air celebrating his first 100, but I knew the journey was far greater a triumph than the victory itself.

This week is not just about Dave Warner and my own little family. It’s also about the Australian Cricket team — a beautiful community we are so fortunate to be part of.

A group who have banded together in difficult moments and supported one another in a way that is far more than the relationships of team members, these men truly are family to one another.

In closing, David, well done. You inspire Ivy and myself every day.

We’re your team and we couldn’t be prouder.

And for everyone around Australia this week who has shown our boys love, cheered them on and carried the weight when they needed it the most… it truly counted.

Because that’s what family is all about.